Moving with Pets

Last May, we posted a blog about making moving easier on your kids. But what if your 'kids' are of the furry kind? Well, we have some tips for that too!

One of the top tips provided by the American Humane Society is to make sure your pets are collared with ID tags and/or microchipped. Moving requires a lot of in and out - and the last thing you want is for your pet to make an escape without those important tracking tools!

Additionally, keep in mind that the activities and sounds of moving day will be frightening to your pets, so it is important that they be kept in a secure area to reduce their stress as much as possible and to prevent an accidental escape.

When it is time to actually transport the animal, make sure the crate or box is well ventilated, secured in the transportation vehicle and easy to move.

Several moving companies, with some experience in this area, suggest that you assign a family member or friend to caring for the pet or pets on moving day. There is a lot to do that day, so having one person tasked with caring for the pet, making sure it has ample food/water and an opportunity to use a litter box or yard in a regular basis will be very helpful.

Keeping up with your pet's general routine is also important to help with this transition. (Especially for cats, who do NOT like change at all -- I know this from experience!) If they eat at a specific time, take breaks or walks around the same time - try and stick with that even on moving day.